Earth Day Ceremony at US Capitol Underscores Commitment of Congress & Private Industry to Sustainability
WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Earth Day -- The Sustainable Business Institute (SBI) announced today the recipients of its 2009 Seal of Sustainability(TM). At a ceremony at the US Capitol Building, members of Congress presented the Seal of Sustainability to Allied Group, Be Green Packaging, Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa (Atman Hospitality Group hotel), New Leaf Paper, and a renewal seal to Puroast Coffee Company.
Issued by the Sustainable Business Institute, the Seal of Sustainability is a nationally recognized icon of business sustainability. It is awarded to companies that have demonstrated continuous commitment to sustainable practices. This trusted icon helps the public identify businesses that promote sustainability so consumers can make educated decisions about companies with whom they want to do business.
"Policymakers, businesses and consumers are working hard to find new ways to balance economic growth and prosperity with long-term sustainability," said Jessica Fullmer, Founder of the Sustainable Business Institute. "The Seal of Sustainability application process helps businesses develop a comprehensive plan to sustainability."
2009 Seal of Sustainability Award Recipients
The collective attributes and requirements of this award allow a broad range of companies to be recognized and rewarded for their ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices.
Each company follows a different roadmap to sustainability, and is evaluated based on a 12-point system within three pillars: economy, society and environment. Each application is reviewed by the independent nonprofit National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (P2), the largest nonprofit membership organization in America solely devoted to pollution prevention. Here are some of the details surrounding this year's recipients:
Allied Group
Allied Group is committed to providing sustainable services that are environmentally and socially responsible through the building and renovation of hotels, restaurants, conference centers, resorts and commercial interiors throughout the U.S. A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Allied Group has a company-wide initiative to get their entire project staff Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. Allied Group has also registered the term SUSTAINovation(R), which indicates that the renovations being performed have an environmental focus.
Be Green Packaging
Be Green Packaging, LLC designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes tree free compostable food containers for food service, deli, vegetable, meat, fish, and poultry industries. Their state-of-the-art chemical-free pulping plant is one of the first of its kind. The first packaging company to receive the McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry's Cradle to Cradle certification, Be Green Packaging is also part of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and the US Composting Council. Be Green has also developed and implemented stringent guidelines regarding social responsibility and corporate ethics that apply to both the supply chain and their employees.
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa is the world's first Gold level LEED certified hotel. With a constant display at the front desk of water and energy usage, and CO2 emissions, Gaia's comprehensive approach to environmental design, operation, and maintenance covers: energy, water, landscaping, cleaning, wood- based materials, coatings, adhesives and sealants, carpet, construction waste management, stone, and recycling.
New Leaf Paper
New Leaf Paper has been tracking the benefits of their efforts for people, planet and profit for 10 years. The goodwill achieved through pursuing a broader mission of leading a fundamental shift towards sustainability in the paper industry has allowed them to attract and retain exceptional staff, and partner with leading design firms and NGOs that share this ethos. New Leaf Paper is the only company to sell 100% recycled coated paper in the U.S. Each of their papers aims to maximize the recycled and post-consumer waste content, are processed chlorine free, and offset with Green-e renewable energy certificates.
Puroast Coffee
Receiving a renewal seal for demonstrating continuous advancements in their sustainability programs, Puroast(R) Coffee Company, Inc. uses a state-of-the-art energy technology to produce its low acid coffee. With over 90% of the energy used at their facility coming from renewable resources, Puroast has been able to expand into other markets and receive other economic benefits. Puroast is a member of Pacific Gas and Electric's ClimateSmart program, and will offset more than 19,000 pounds of greenhouse gases annually. Puroast was first awarded the Seal of Sustainability in 2007.
"Our vision is to benefit the public by encouraging business leaders to adopt and communicate sustainable business practices," said Fullmer. "These Seal of Sustainability award recipients are using innovation and creativity to truly bring about change in helping preserve and restore our planet's natural resources.
About SBI
Founded in 1995, the Sustainable Business Institute (SBI) is a nonpartisan 501c(3) nonprofit organization devoted to helping businesses make steady progress on their roadmap to sustainability. The SBI does this by working as a catalyst on behalf of the public to bring together business leaders and their organizations to initiate, implement and communicate worldwide sustainable business practices. Issued by the SBI, the Seal of Sustainability(TM) is a nationally recognized icon of business sustainability. It is awarded to businesses that have demonstrated continuous commitment to sustainable business practices in the areas of economy, society and environment. For more information on SBI and the Seal of Sustainability, go to www.SustainableBusiness.org.
Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
Pam Ferguson
Sustainable Business Institute
Tel: +1 408-358-7225
Email: pamelaferguson@verizon.net
